John W. Loftus is the author of the book Why I Became an Atheist: A Former Preacher Rejects Christianity. He is a scholar who has, in his own words, “pretty much the equivalent of a Ph. D". Loftus will be the guest speaker at the Minnesota Atheists Monthly Members Meeting at Southdale Library on Sunday, May 15th at 1pm.

The End of Christianity: Is it a dream? Is it wishful thinking on the
part of atheists? The religion is irrational in its premise, overbearing
in its execution and intrusive in our lives. Why does it continue to
maintain such a strong presence in our lives, thoughts and civilization?
Loftus edited the book The Christian Delusion: Why Faith Fails,
published in March, 2010, with contributions from Hector Avalos, Richard
Carrier, David Ellers, Valerie Talerico, and others. The follow-up to
this book is nearly finished and is due to be published in July of this
year.

The End of Christianity does not mean that we expect the religion
to disappear and become a historical curiosity. Perhaps it will lose its
place of privilege as more people start to examine rationally the roots
of their own religious beliefs. The End of Christianity examines
Christianity from an outsider's perspective with some great new
articles.

Loftus is an engaging speaker and has a unique story to tell. He
has studied apologetics under the celebrated William Lane Craig, he has
taught apologetics and biblical studies, he has researched theology and
mythology, and as an atheist, he has faced many apologists in debate.
Loftus developed the “Outsider Test For Faith,” challenging Christians
to look at their beliefs without faith to determine if they are
rational. He accepts the label “militant” because in his experience he
has learned that Christians are not always led to clarity through
philosophical debate. Sometimes you just gotta go after them and set
them off balance, and just being nice doesn't always do the trick.

Loftus will be selling (*) autographed copies of his books to help pay
for his tour of the Upper Midwest, so please take the opportunity to
join the Minnesota Atheists for our monthly meeting to meet and have an
intelligent discussion with one of the more prominent atheist
barnstormers in the United States.

(*NOTE: Loftus will likely not have any books available for sale at his speaking event but they may be available at your local Barnes & Noble store.)